Ribera del Duero – Spanish Wine Trail
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6 Nights From: GBP £3,305 pp sharing
Discover The Ribera Del Duero On Horseback
Ride through the vineyards, medieval villages and open plains of the Ribera del Duero, with long canters, historic landmarks and exceptional Spanish wines along the way.
The Ribera del Duero Wine Ride is a unique horse riding holiday in Spain, combining enjoyable riding with the region’s rich history, beautiful landscapes and exceptional wine. Set across the provinces of Segovia and Valladolid, the ride follows the Duero River through the heart of the Ribera del Duero wine region, beginning in the dramatic Duratón River Canyon before continuing west through pine forests, open plains and rolling vineyards.
Designed for advanced riders who are confident at all paces, this is a sporty ride with long trots, canters and the option of small cross-country jumps. Riding days average five to six hours, with the pace adapted to the abilities and preferences of the group. The horses are well-trained Anglo-Hispanos and other sport horses, selected for their temperament, fitness and experience, making them a pleasure to ride across the varied terrain.
What makes this ride particularly special is the combination of riding with the culture and traditions of Ribera del Duero. Along the route, you’ll visit medieval villages, historic castles, monasteries and traditional family-run bodegas, with private wine tastings offering an insight into one of Spain’s most celebrated wine regions. There is also plenty of time to enjoy the local cuisine, with carefully prepared lunches in beautiful countryside settings and dinners featuring traditional regional dishes and fine local wines.
The accommodation adds another dimension to the experience, with nights spent in converted palaces, a former convent, historic buildings and a beautifully restored flour mill beside the Duero River. For those who enjoy good horses, varied riding, Spanish history, excellent food and wine, this is a memorable way to discover the Ribera del Duero from the saddle.
Quick Facts
Location:
Ribera del Duero, Spain
Airport:
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas International Airport (MAD)
Month:
May & October
Duration:
6 Nights
Group Size:
Min 6 / Max 12 Riders + Non-riders
Riding Level:
Advanced + Non-riders
Weight Limit:
90kg / 198lbs
Accommodation:
Posadas, Hotels
Solo Traveller Friendly:
Great for solo travellers who are willing to share. A single supplement applies if you prefer your own room.
AN IDEA ON WHAT TO EXPECT
This itinerary is intended as a guide rather than an exact timetable. Routes, riding and activities may vary depending on weather, ground conditions and the harvest calendar. A bodega visit or section of trail may be replaced with another of a similar standard, with any changes made by the experienced guides to ensure the best possible experience while keeping the horses’ welfare in mind.
You’ll be collected in Madrid at 15H00 for the approximately 1.5 hour transfer to Sepúlveda. After your journey, settle into the charming Posada de San Millán, a 12th-century building in the heart of the medieval town. In the afternoon, visit the Hermitage of San Frutos, dramatically positioned within the Hoces del Duratón Natural Park, before enjoying a welcome dinner in Sepúlveda.
Your first full day in the saddle begins with a relaxed ride along the Duratón River Canyon, giving you time to get to know your horse. Stop for an aperitif and picnic lunch in the countryside before continuing through pine forests on sandy trails, ideal for long trots and steady canters. Return to the area around San Miguel de Bernuy for dinner and an overnight stay at Hotel Molino del Duratón.
Enjoy a half-day ride through the Duratón Canyon, with impressive views of the surrounding cliffs. Stop for an aperitif near the 13th-century church in Carrascal del Río before continuing along the river to Pantano de las Vencias, where a homemade paella is served overlooking the lake. After lunch, a short 10-minute transfer takes you to the medieval village of Fuentidueña, known for its Romanesque churches and ancient fortress walls. Stay overnight at Hotel Palacio de los Condes, a former 18th-century Baroque church, and enjoy your first wine tasting in one of the region’s family-run wine caves. Dinner is served in the hotel’s restaurant, located inside the former chapel.
Today’s full-day ride takes you across the high plains of the Meseta at a lively pace. Ride past Fuentidueña Castle and the Monastery of San Francisco before reaching the Duero River for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, continue into the vineyard-covered hills, with panoramic views towards Peñafiel and its impressive 10th-century castle. A private wine tasting at Bodegas Protos follows before dinner and an overnight stay at Hotel Convento Las Claras.
Begin the day with a visit to Bodegas Comenge, situated beneath Curiel Castle, before heading out on a full-day ride through the vineyards. Stop near Pesquera del Duero for an aperitif, followed by lunch at the 12th-century Cistercian Monastery of Santa María de Valbuena. In the afternoon, ride alongside the Duero River towards Quintanilla de Onésimo, where you’ll visit Bodegas Vega de Yuso, a family-run winery, for a private tasting. Dinner and overnight at Posada Fuente de la Aceña.
Set out on a half-day ride from Quintanilla de Onésimo towards Sardón del Duero and the vineyards of Abadía Retuerta, a 12th-century abbey set within a 700-hectare estate. Enjoy a guided ride through the vineyards accompanied by a private bodega guide, with an aperitif and wine tasting along the way. After a picnic lunch in the countryside, continue with afternoon canters along the river and canal. Finish the ride with a farewell dinner at the Michelin-starred Converso restaurant in the Valbuena Monastery.
After breakfast, depart Abadía Retuerta for the approximately 2.5 hour group transfer back to Madrid Airport, arriving at around 12H00. Earlier transfers can be arranged on request at an additional cost.
ACTIVITIES ON THE RIBERA DEL DUERO WINE RIDE
Here are some of the unforgettable activities you can do when on the Ribera del Duero Wine Ride in Spain.
HORSES & TACK ON THE RIBERA DEL DUERO WINE RIDE
THE HORSES
The horses on this ride are predominantly Anglo Hispanos, a cross between Andalusian and Thoroughbred, standing around 15 to 16 hands. Selected for their temperament, endurance and responsiveness, they are well suited to the varied terrain of Segovia, from forest tracks and canyons to open vineyard country. Their regular work at the family riding school, including trail riding, dressage and jumping, keeps them fit, confident and comfortable at all paces.
THE TACK
You ride in well fitted saddles, which are checked regularly for comfort, while each horse has its own bridle that is cleaned and checked daily. Tack is suited to the demands of the varied terrain, ensuring a comfortable and secure partnership between horse and rider throughout the week.
GET INSPIRED TO RIDE THE RIBERA DEL DUERO WINE RIDE
RATES & DATES
This ride operates on set departure dates in May and October each year, with limited places available on each date. Please enquire for exact departure dates and availability, as the ride is popular and group sizes are deliberately kept small.
2027 SEASON:
02 – 08 May 2027
17 – 24 October 2027
7 Nights From: GBP £3,305 per person sharing + transfers
Note: Prices are quoted in Euros. In the case of strong exchange rate fluctuations, the price can be adjusted up to 3 weeks before departure.
2028 SEASON:
Not yet released. Please enquire for details.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Single Room Supplement if not willing to share From:
GBP £343
per person for the duration of the trail
NON-RIDER COMPANION
From:
EUR €3,000
per person sharing
Non-riding companions travel with the support vehicle, join every aperitif, picnic lunch and dinner, and share the sightseeing, hotels and cultural visits.
TRANSFERS (Subject to change)
Group transfers from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport are included in the ride price, departing at 15H00 on Day 1 and returning to the airport at approximately 12H00 on Day 7. Transfers outside these scheduled times can be arranged on request at an additional cost.
As the group transfer departs Madrid at 15H00 on Day 1, flights should arrive with enough time to meet the transfer. On Day 7, we recommend booking flights departing no earlier than 14H00.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY ON THE RIBERA DEL DUERO WINE RIDE
POSADA DE SAN MILLÁN
This characterful inn occupies one of Sepúlveda’s oldest buildings, with a 12th-century Romanesque façade opening onto a beautiful 15th-century arcaded courtyard. The nine double rooms combine traditional details with modern comforts, each with a private bathroom, Wi-Fi and television, while some also have balconies and panoramic views. A peaceful garden at the back of the property looks across Sepúlveda and the surrounding landscape.
HOTEL MOLINO GRANDE DEL DURATÓN
Set on the banks of the Duratón River in San Miguel de Bernuy, Molino Grande del Duratón is a beautifully restored 19th-century flour mill overlooking the northern gorges of the river. The original character of the building has been carefully preserved, while the rooms offer a comfortable base with en suite bathrooms, air conditioning and views towards the surrounding landscape. The property has its own restaurant, La Fábrica, set within the former machinery room of the mill, where the original stonework and water channel can still be seen. There is also a garden, swimming pool, spa and sauna, providing a relaxing place to unwind after a day in the saddle.
PALACIO DE LOS CONDES
Set in the medieval village of Fuentidueña, Palacio de los Condes is housed in a beautifully restored historic building, with just 12 individually decorated rooms. The property retains plenty of its original character while offering comfortable, well-appointed rooms and a peaceful base from which to explore the surrounding countryside. One of the highlights is the hotel’s restaurant, set inside a restored 18th-century chapel, where traditional Castilian dishes are served alongside wines from the Ribera del Duero region. With its historic setting, welcoming atmosphere and location in the heart of Fuentidueña, it is a fitting stop on the journey through the wine country.
AZZ PEÑAFIEL LAS CLARAS HOTEL & SPA
Set in a former 17th-century convent in the heart of Peñafiel, AZZ Peñafiel Las Claras Hotel & Spa combines historic character with modern comfort. The hotel’s 64 rooms are spacious and comfortable, with en suite bathrooms and the facilities needed for a relaxing stay after a day in the saddle. The former convent chapel is now home to the Conde Lucanor Restaurant, where traditional flavours from Castilla y León are given a modern twist. There is also a spa and outdoor swimming pool with views towards Peñafiel Castle, providing a good place to unwind during your stay.
FUENTE ACEÑA HOTEL BOUTIQUE
Set in a beautifully restored former flour mill on the banks of the Duero River, Fuente Aceña Hotel Boutique offers a comfortable and characterful stay in the heart of the Ribera del Duero. The original stone and timber features give the property a warm, rustic feel, while the rooms provide modern comforts including air conditioning, Wi-Fi and en suite bathrooms. The hotel’s restaurant makes the most of its riverside setting, serving traditional Castilian cuisine with a modern approach and a focus on seasonal, local ingredients. With views towards the Duero and a relaxed atmosphere, it is a lovely place to enjoy the region’s food and wine after a day in the saddle.
THE DESTINATION
RIBERA DEL DUERO
The Ribera del Duero lies in the heart of Old Castile, following the Duero River for around 115 kilometres upstream from Valladolid through the provinces of Burgos, Segovia and Soria. Wine has been produced here for more than 2,000 years, with a 66-square-metre Roman mosaic depicting Bacchus uncovered during the 1972 grape harvest, offering a glimpse into the region’s long winemaking history. The region’s cold winters and marked temperature changes between day and night in summer create ideal conditions for growing grapes, including Tempranillo, Garnacha and Albillo. Today, Ribera del Duero is one of Spain’s best-known wine regions, recognised internationally for the quality of its wines. In 2012, it was named the Best Wine Region of the World by Wine Enthusiast.
HOCES DEL RÍO DURATÓN NATURE RESERVE
The Duratón River has carved a series of dramatic meanders through the limestone plateau north-east of Segovia, creating gorges that reach up to 100m deep. Protected as a nature reserve since 1989, the area is known for its impressive cliffs and large griffon vulture colony. Perched above the river on a rocky spur are the remains of the 12th-century Ermita de San Frutos, reached by crossing a narrow natural bridge with the gorge dropping away on either side.
PEÑAFIEL
Peñafiel sits where the Duero, Duratón and Botijas rivers meet in the province of Valladolid, at the heart of Spain’s renowned Ribera del Duero wine region. Rising above the town is its striking 10th-century castle, built along a narrow ridge and shaped like a ship of stone. Today, the castle houses the Provincial Wine Museum and offers impressive views across the surrounding vineyards. Below, the Plaza del Coso is a distinctive medieval square lined with traditional wooden balconies and still used for bullfighting, while the hillsides around the town are dotted with traditional underground wine cellars.
HORSE CARE & WELFARE IN SEGOVIA
Our horseback adventures are hand-picked for their quality and care of their horses. Here’s how the horses on the Ribera del Duero Wine Ride are kept in tip-top shape for your safaris. The horses are on top of the hierarchy and receive very special care:
- The horses are groomed and checked for any injuries twice a day, before and after every riding day
- They are fed hard feed two to three times a day as required and have access to grass and hay throughout the day and night when not out on the trail.
- All the horses have dedicated rest days each week, time off between each ride, and a varied exercise programme that includes trails, schooling, lunging and groundwork to keep them fit, happy and healthy
- The horses live out in a herd environment when they are not working, allowing them to live as naturally as possible
- The farrier visits every 4-6 weeks so that hooves are shod or trimmed to suit the mixed terrain of canyon, forest track and vineyard
- Saddles are well fitted and checked regularly, and each horse has its own bridle which is cleaned and checked daily
- The horses are predominantly Anglo-Hispanos, a cross between Andalusian and Thoroughbred standing 15 to 16 hands, selected for temperament and endurance
- They work daily at the family riding school in schooling, dressage and jumping, which keeps them fit, responsive and comfortable at all paces
- A support vehicle follows the group every day, so a horse can be rested or changed immediately if needed
- Riders are matched to a horse on the basis of the riding experience given at the time of booking, and are welcome to help look after their horse during the week if they would like to
Please get in touch if you have any more questions about horse care
Ribera del Duero – Spanish Wine Trail
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